Label dispensing system

ABSTRACT

There is provided a system for accurately dispensing labels such as pressure sensitive labels from a carrier web having a release surface, on a continuous or synchronized basis. The system is based on a brake mechanism and a pressure roll pivoted about a common point, the former adapted to prevent transport of labels to a label dispensing element or mechanism and the latter for advancing a web or residue matrix by engagement with a constant running drum, upon release of the brake. Accurate dispensing of labels using the system is achieved through alternating brakedrive of the web or matrix in combination with the maintenance of a constant tension between the brake and rewind mechanism.

United States Patent Moore et al.

[ 51 Oct. 10,1972

[54] LABEL DISPENSING SYSTEM [72] Inventors: John R. Moore,Collegeville, Pa.; William L. Noack, Whittier; Robert A. Roser,Claremont, both of Calif.

[73] Assignee: Avery Products Corporation, San

Marino, Calif.

[22] Filed: April 29, 1971 [21] Appl. N0.: 138,689

[52] US. Cl. ..22l/73 [51 Int. Cl. ..B65h 5/28 [58] Field of Search..22l/73, 70-72 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,186,5896/1965 West et al. ..22l/73 X 3,485,414 12/1969 Dinter ..22l/73 PrimaryExaminer-Stanley l-l. Tollberg Attorney-Christie, Parker & Hale ABSTRACTThere is provided a system for accurately dispensing labels such aspressure sensitive labels from a carrier web having a release surface,on a continuous or synchronized basis. The system is based on a brakemechanism and a pressure roll pivoted about a common point, the formeradapted to prevent transport of labels to a label dispensing element ormechanism and the latter for advancing a web or residue matrix byengagement with a constant running drum, upon release of the brake.Accurate dispensing of labels using the system is achieved throughalternating brake-drive of the web or matrix in combination with themaintenance of a constant tension between the brake and rewindmechanism.

24 Clains, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTEU 3,696,967

SHEET 2 (IF 2 'F/ELE LABEL DISPENSING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe advent of the pressure sensitive label represented a new era inlabeling operations in that an ability to dispense a self adhesive labelfrom an essentially release coated carrier web eliminated most of theequipment attendant to making initially non-adhesive surfaces, such asglue, adhesive in nature by the application of a solvent, such as water.

In developing systems for dispensing pressure sensitive labels from websit was found that a pressure sensitive label could be separated from aweb and dispensed by drawing the web over the relatively sharp edge of ablade. By this action, this label separates from the sur face of therelease coated carrier web rather than passing around the edge of theblade with the web.

The label, once dispensed may be applied directly to some substrate orregistered on an applicator, typically a perforated grid which draws thelabel to its surface by a suction pneumatically created then depositsthe label on the substrate by reverse air flow through the grid ormechanical movement of the grid to the substrate.

Most prior art systems for label dispensing have consisted of a supplyroll containing a release coated web carrying pressure sensitive labels,a sharp edged dispensing blade, powered drive roll, a spring loadedpinch roll, a take-up roll and attendant means to guide the web from thesupply roll over the dispensing blade to the take-up roll.

;A typical way of dispensing labels is to intermittently rotate the pullroll each time a dispensing operation is called for.

While such systems are functional, the accuracy at which a label can bedispensed is limited and variations exceeding as much as 0.125 inch inlabel register on a substrate has been experienced. This has limited theutility of such dispensing systems, particularly where accuracy in labelapplication is critical.

Low accuracy in label dispensing has been attributed in part to thestretch imparted to the carrier web when drawn over the edge of thedispensing blade where label separates. Stretch is a result of tensionalforces which fluctuate and causes variations in separation pitchattitude of the label.

Tensional force fluctuations may also result from the rate at which aweb is passed over the edge of the dispensing blade. Additionally,fluctuations may simply be due to the change in diameter of the carrierweb on the supply reel as well as the change in diameter of thecollected spent web on the driven take-up roll.

In addition, where the labels have been die cut the carrier web is oftenweakened due to overcuts and breaks under the more severe tensionalforces which may occur during the operation of a typical labeldispensing system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there isprovided an improved apparatus and method for accurately dispensinglabels on a continuous or synchronized ba- SIS.

Although not particularly limited to the label source or construction,the apparatus of this invention may be particularly adapted for use witha conventional label supply and dispensing mechanism such as, forinstance,

those employing a reel type supply of a web or matrix supported pressuresensitive labels as well as a take-up roll between which there isdisposed a relatively sharp edged dispensing blade at which a label isdispensed and is, as indicated, equally adaptive for use with any sourceof a supply of labels and any system for discarding a spent labelcarrying webs or matrix.

The improved label dispensing system of this invention comprises, ingeneral, a drive roll which is adapted to be driven at a constant rateof rotation, a braking system which is adapted to engage the carrier webto prevent advancement of the web over the relatively sharp edge of thelabel dispensing blade, and pressure means adapted to engage the webwith the driven roll to advance the web over the dispensing meanswhereby a label is dispensed when the brake system is disengaged. Inthis system the brake system and the pressure means are pivoted about acommon axis for alternately engaging the brake system with the web anddriving the web by forcing the web against the driven roll with thepressure means.

With this system pressure sensitive labels are dispensed on what amountsto a controlled continuous or synchronous basis, by alternateapplication of the brake to prevent movement of the web and driving ofthe web by application of the web by the pressure means against thedriven roll when the brake is released.

The preferred apparatus of this invention employs web supply reel whichis provided with a biased unwind dancer roll which takes up slack in theweb between the supply reel and applied brake and maintains a constantweb tension between the supply reel and the brake. When the brake isreleased, the web tension in this system will remain substantiallyconstant and not materially fluctuate with variations in supply webdiameter or changes in diameter of the spent web on the web take-uproll.

The process which employs the apparatus of this invention involves,generally, feeding a web containing pressure sensitive labels to a labeldispensing edge. Altemately stopping advancement of the web todispensing edge by application of a brake to the web surface, anddrawing the web over the edge of the dispensing lip by pressurizing theweb against a cylindrical surface rotating at an essentially constantspeed. This method dispenses labels on a continuous or synchronous basisby alternating braking and driving operations.

THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a detailed illustration of the apparatus used fordispensing labels on a continuous or synchronous basis.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of labeling system in operation employingthe continuous or synchronous label dispensing mechanism shown in FIG.1.

DESCRIPTION According to the present invention there is provided a novelapparatus and method employing such apparatus for dispensing labelsparticularly pressure sensitive labels on a continuous or synchronizedbasis.

With reference first to FIG. 1, the fairly conventional portion of thelabel dispensing apparatus 10 consists of a source of pressure sensitivelabels supported by a release coated web such as supplied from reel 12mounted on shaft 14 which may also contain, as shown, the on-off" switch16 for starting and stopping the operation of the label dispensingsystem; a label dispensing lip 18 and its attending web guiding carriage20, and wind-up roll 22 which is normally driven to take up spent tapeand which may include a reel (not shown) for containing the spent web.It will be understood, however, that other sources of web supportedpressure sensitive labels and means to discard the web as it becomesspent may be utilized in accordance with the use of the apparatus ofthis invention.

Also conventional to the system is label sensing mechanism 24 whichsenses the presence of a pressure sensitive label 26 on web 28 in orderthat the dispensing of the label can be coordinated with advancingsubstrates to which labels are to be applied as more particularly shownin FIG. 2.

Also, as part of the housing 29 for the label dispensing system of thisinvention, there is provided keyway 30 for mounting a label applicator(not shown) where the label is not dispensed directly to a substrate andchannel 31 as an apparatus mount.

Beyond these fairly conventional segments of a label dispensing system,the balance of the label dispensing system of this invention provides anovel combination of elements which permits a high degree of accuracyand speed in the dispensing of pressure sensitive labels. A feature ofthe label dispensing mechanism of this invention is carriage 32 whichpivots about a pivot point such as pivot point 34 which may also serve(as shown) as a shaft for an idler roll 36 which aids in guiding the webfrom reel 12 to dispensing lip 18.

At one end of the pivotable housing 32 is lower brake system 38 havingat the upper surface thereof a rubber or a similar brake pad 40 and alower brake bar 42 whichis spring-biased by plunger spring 44. Thisaction tends to maintain the lower brake system 38 biased towards theweb containing pressure sensitive labels and upper brake bar 46 tomaintain the web 28 in a normally braked position.

There is also included adjustable eccentric stop 48 which acts on shaft50 of upper brake bar 46. Shaft 50 is normally biased against stop 48 toadjust the clearance between the upper brake bar 46 and the lower brakesystem 38. To adjust the clearance, upper bar 46 is drawn away from stop48 by pulling handle 51. When a desired degree of clearance is achievedand this will depend in part on the nature of the web and the labels,stop 48 is adjusted to just contact shaft 50. Normally, the clearancefor rapid stopping action is set at between about 0.007 and 0.010 inchin addition to the thickness of the web.

= Also pivoted about pivot point 34 is a pressure means shown as niproll 52 which is in continuous contact with the web and which serves toforce the web against driven roll 54 which is cylindrical in shape androtates at essentially a constant torque and rate. This occurs whenframe 32 is pivoted about pivot point 34 by some cyclic driving meanssuch as solenoid 56.

This action serves to disengage the brake and forces web 28 againstdriven roll 54. As a consequence, web 28 is advanced over the edge ofdispensing blade 18 to dispense a label 58 which may be applied directlyto a substrate or indexed on a label applicator (not shown) which inturn functions to apply the label to a substrate.

There may also be optionally provided, web guard 60 which is normallynon-rotating, and web turnback bar 62 which is also non-rotating. Thereis optionally pro vided web snubber brush 64 which serves to impart aninitial force on web 28 to aid in accurately positioning labels withrespect to label sensor 24.

When solenoid 56 is deactivated brake system 38 consisting of pad 40 andlower bar 42 are applied by the spring force of plunger 44 against web28 and upper brake bar 46 to stop advancement of the web to dispensingblade 18. In this condition solenoid 56 is in a relaxed position and niproll 52 is away from driven roll 54 in order that a drag will not beimparted to web 28 in the zone between nip roll 52 and driven roll 54.

Take-up reel 22 is normally driven by a slip drive using a belt take-off(not shown) from the motor (not shown) used to drive roll 54.

To override the tendency of take-up reel 22 to continue to rotate andthereby increase the tension in web 28 between take-up reel 22 and theapplied brake means there may be provided a secondary brake system whichconsists, in part, of dancer roll 65, which is rotatable, and springbiased bar 67 pivoted about axis 69. As take-up reel 22 continues torotate as a consequence of the friction imparted by the slip of the beltdrive spring biased bar 69 with dancer roll 65 are drawn downward. Thisapplies by the action of cam 71 a reverse thrust on bar 73 which, inturn, applies a force which compresses spring biased plunger 75. This,in turn, applies brake bar 77 which is pivoted about point 79 againstthe surface of take-up reel 22. This action serves as a functional brakewhich overcomes the tendency of take-up reel 22 to continue to rotatedue to the action of the slip belt drive. In this system there iseventually reached upon application of brake 77 an equilibrium at whichtake-up reel 22 is held motionless. The tension in web 28 between thetake-up reel 22 and the brake means will become constant by virtue ofthe bias force applied through roll 65.

While this braking system is an optional part of the label dispensingsystem of this invention it is partly useful in aiding the maintenanceof a constant web tension in the label dispensing system of thisinvention.

If eliminated, some variations in tension may occur due to the tendencyof take-up reel 22 to continue to rotate. This tendency can be reduced,however, by the use of slip clutches and the like.

To maintain a constant tension between the brake means and the web feedreel 12, there is provided roller 68, known as a dancer roll which ismounted on spring biased bar which tends to force roller 68 upward andaway from the brake means. This takes up any slack in the web betweenreel 12 and the brake means and provides a constant tension betweenthese points.

By maintaining a constant tension through the system during the brakingor stop function, the tension in the web when it is engaged with driveroll 54 will be constant. This, in combination with the braking functionapplied to roll 22 eliminates fluctuations in the torque applied todriven roll 54 which enables driven roll 54 to rotate at a constantspeed which, in turn,

drives web 28 over label dispensing lip 18 at a constant speed. As aresult, any label such as label 58 will be dispensed at a controlledattitude or pitch for accurately positioning onto a substrate onindexing on an applicator.

There is also provided as part of take-up reel 22 clip 72 whichinitially engages the web when it is threaded through the labeldispensing apparatus during startup.

The operation of the label dispensing system of this invention may bemore fully understood with reference to FIG. 2. As part of the labeldispensing housing 29 there may be provided a plurality of input plugs74 which serve to receive and dispense signals which control or monitorthe advancement of a substrate 76 towards the dispensing lip 18 of thelabel dispensing apparatus; control the function of a label applicatorwhen used and the functional operation of label dispenser system 10.

When the dispensing of a label is called for, bracket 32 is drivendownward about pivot point 34 by solenoid 56 moving the lower brakesystem 38 away from the upper brake bar 46. This releases the web 28from the break means and engages the web with drive roll 54 by thepressure supplied by nip roll 52, with take-up reel 22 being driven byan internally mounted slip belt in the housing 29 of the labeldispensing system to take up driven spent web. As the web passes overthe edge of blade 18 a label 58 is dispensed for application tosubstrate 76. To prevent separation of lifting of web 28 from thesurface dispensing lip 18 there is provided resilient but flexiblepressure leaf 80 which maintains a positive pressure on web 28 at lip18. Substrates shown here are a series of bottles transported underlabel dispensing system 10 by belt 82 with their lateral positionconfined by channels 84.

Once a label has been dispensed, the brake means is engaged to stopadvancement of the web. Advancement of another label toward blade 18 iscontrolled by label sensor 24 biases against back-up anvil 33 asmodified by brush 64 (not shown). The presence of a label produces asignal which is fed to one of the inputs 74 of housing 29 which, incoordination with an advancing substrate causes energization of solenoid56, which drives roll 52 in pressure contact with driven roll 54 byrotation of bracket 32 about pivot point 34.

When the label has been dispensed solenoid 56 is deenergized and lowerbrake system 38 engages web 28 with upper brake bar 46 to stop webtransport. This interrupts transport of the web toward label dispensinglip 18 causing dancer roll 68 to take up any slack in web 28 and dancerroll 68 and to brake the tendency of reel 12 against continued rotation.

By repeated alternate applications of the braking function and thedriving operation it will be appreciated that the labels will bedispensed on an intermittent basis and because, as previously indicated,the web tension is maintained essentially constant the labels will bedispensed within an accuracy of from about 1*: 1/64 inch at unusuallyhigh rates.

There may be provided guides 86 which adjust the position of web 28relative to the advancing substrates. To adjust the label dispensingsystem of this invention to substrate height there may be providedelevation system 88 and dispenser pitch system 90 which controls theattitude of the label dispenser to a substrate by rotation about theaxis of support cylinder 92.

An additional feature of the label dispensing system of this inventionis that it is open to permit easy threading of a label carrier webthrough the various mechanisrm during start up operations.

While label dispensing system of this invention has been illustrated inFIG. 2 assuring a generally vertical attitude to a substrate beinglabeled, a particular advantage of the system is that it may bepositioned in any attitude relative to a substrate.

While the label dispensing system of this invention has been illustratedas dispensing pressure sensitive labels from a matrix-free web, thesystem is equally useful in dispensing labels from a matrix with orwithout a supporting web; supported and unsupported tapes of any length;perforated labels separated by tearing operations or the like.

While the braking system described is of particular utility in thesynchronous dispensing of labels, particularly where the rate of feed ofsubstrates may be variable and accuracy requirements high or essential,the label dispensing system may also be operated on a continuous orintermittent basis.

For instance, where there is a continuous or constant feed of substratesto be labeled at a high rate, the braking function may be interrupted,pending a disruption in the feed of substrates which requiresapplication of the braking means and disengagement of the drivemechanism until the disruption in feed is corrected.

While the alternating brake-drive system has been illustrated asoperating using a pivoted supported structure with the movable portionof the brake disposed below an advancing web containing a group oflabels, the movable portion of the brake means may be equally disposedabove advancing labels and applied by a downward movement.

Where a web or matrix is employed to carry the labels or tape to bedispensed, the residue following the dispenser may be braked alone orwith the feed to the dispenser. The former function being advantageouswhere the labels or the like are driven to rather than drawn past asuitable dispenser.

While the preferred dispenser has been shown as a relatively sharp edgeddispensing blade, as an alternative, the labels or tapes may be detachedby any suitable dispenser such as a direct vacuum pick-up; label or tapeseparation due to serrations; by in-line cutting and like functions.

As indicated, the labels, tapes or the like may be supplied externallyto the label dispensing system of this invention. As a typicalillustration, labels may be fed as fan-folded labels with residue matrixand/or web discarded to some waste disposal system.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the label dispensing systemof this invention is adaptive to handling a wide variety of label ortape supplies and mechanisms for dispensing them to a substrate so longas there is preserved the basic attenuating brake-drive system.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for continuously dispensing pressure sensitive labels on acontrolled intennittent basis for use in combination with a supply ofpressure sensitive labels supported by a release coated carrier web anda relatively sharp edged label dispensing blade at which pressuresensitive labels are dispensed by passage of said carrier web around theedge of said dispensing blade and means to receive a web from whichlabels have been dispensed, a web transport system comprismg:

a. a drive roll adapted to be rotated at a substantially constant torqueand rate of rotation;

b. brake means adapted to be disposed between a supply of carrier websupported pressure sensitive labels and said label dispensing blade andadapted to engage a carrier web supporting pressure sensitive labels tostop advancement of said web to the relatively sharp edge of said labeldispensing blade;

c. pressure means adapted to engage a web section exhausted of pressuresensitive labels with said drive roll to advance said web over therelatively sharp edge of said label dispensing blade;

d. pivoted support structure containing a portion of said brake meansand said pressure means;

e. means to pivotally rotate said support structure to alternatelyengage a web supporting pressure sensitive labels with said brake meansand a web free of pressure sensitive labels with said drive roll byaction of said pressure means whereby said web may be alternatelyretained from or advanced over the edge of said label dispensing blade.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said brake means includes anupper brake surface adapted to be positioned above said carrier web andsaid lower brake surface secured to said pivotal support structure, saidupper and lower brake surface adapted to engage a web containingpressure sensitive labels in aligning configuration.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the portion of said lowerbrake surface is spring-biased for preferential engagement of said webwith said upper brake surface.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said pressure meanscomprises a rotatable nip roll.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 in which said pressure meanscomprises a rotatable nip roll.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the supply of pressuresensitive labels supported by said release coated web is contained onspindle mounted reel and supplied to said label dispensing blade bypassage over:

a. a pivoted, spring biased roll adapted to maintain a constant tensionbetween said spring biased roll and said brake means when said brakemeans is in an engaged position; and

b. an idler roll positioned between said pivoted spring biased roll andsaid brake means.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the supply of pressuresensitive labels supported by a release coated web is contained onspindle mounted reel and supplied to said label dispensing blade bypassage over:

a. a pivoted spring biased roll adapted to maintain a constant tensionbetween said spring biased roll and said brake means when said brakemeans is in an engaged position; an

b.- an idler roll positioned between said pivoted spring biased roll andsaid brake means.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which the supply of pressuresensitive labels supported by said release coated web is contained onspindle mounted reel and supplied to said label dispensing blade bypassage over:

a. a pivoted spring biased roll adapted to maintain a constant tensionbetween said spring biased roll and said brake means when said brakemeans is in an engaged position; and

b. an idler roll positioned between said pivoted spring biased roll andsaid brake means.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the means to receive a labelfrom which labels have been dispensed comprises a web take-up reeladapted to rotate when said web is passed over the edge of saiddispensing blade and idle by applying a tensionally activated secondbrake means against the surface of said web take-up reel when said brakemeans engages said web.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the means to receive alabel from which labels have been dispensed comprises a web take-up reeladapted to rotate when said web is passed over the edge of saiddispensing blade and idle by applying a tensionally activated secondbrake means against the surface of said web take-up reel when said brakemeans engages said web.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the means to receive alabel from which labels have been dispensed comprises a web take-up reeladapted to rotate when said web is passed over the edge of saiddispensing blade and idle by applying a tensionally activated secondbrake means against the surface of said web take-up reel when said brakemeans engages said web.

12. A process for continuously dispensing labels or tapes from asupporting carrier means by passage of said supporting carrier means todispensing means which comprises alternately:

a. stopping passage of said carrier means to said dispensing means byapplication of a braking force to said carrier means; and

b. releasing said braking force and advancing said carrier means to saiddispensing means to a constant rate by engaging a pressure means with acylindrical driven roll rotated at a substantially constant torque andrate of rotation, the advance ment of said carrier means over saiddispensing means being independent of means to collect the residue ofsaid carrier means.

13. A process as claimed in claim 12 in which the the carrier meanssupports pressure sensitive labels or tapes.

14. Label dispensing system for dispensing labels and tapes such aspressure sensitive labels, on a controlled or synchronous basis for usein combination with a supply of labels and tapes carried by some carriermeans and a dispensing means at which the labels or the like aredispensed, the system comprising:

a. a drive roll adapted to be rotated at a substantially constant torqueand rate of rotation;

b. brake means adapted to engage said carrier means to stop advancementof said carrier means to said dispensing means;

0. pressure means adapted to engage said carrier means with said driveroll to advance said carrier means to said dispensing means;

d. a pivoted support structure containing a portion of said brake meansand said pressure means;

e. means to pivotally rotate said support structure to alternatelyengage said carrier means with said brake means and said drive roll withsaid pressure means whereby said carrier means may be alternatelyretained from or advanced to said dispensing means.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which said brake means includesa first brake surface adapted to be positioned above said carrier meansand a second brake surface adapted to be positioned at least below oneportion of said carrier means, said first and second brake surfacesadapted to engage said carrier means in aligning configuration.

16. Apparatus as claims in claim 15 in which one of said brake surfacesis spring-biased for preferential engagement of said carrier means withthe other brake surface, said spring-biased brake surface being securedto said pivotable support structure.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which said pressure meanscomprises a rotatable nip roll.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 in which said pressure meanscomprises a rotatable nip roll.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which the supply of labels ortapes are supported by web is contained on spindle mounted reel andsupplied to said dispensing means by passage over:

a. a pivoted, spring biased roll adapted to maintain a constant carriermeans tension between said spring biased roll and said brake means whensaid brake means is in an engaged position; and

b. an idler roll adapted tov be engaged with said means and positionedbetween said pivoted spring biased roll and said brake means.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 in which the supply of labels ortapes are supported by web is contained on spindle mounted reel andsupplied to said dispensing means by passage over:

a. a pivoted, spring biased roll adapted to maintain a constant carriermeans tension between said spring biased roll and said brake means whensaid brake means is in an engaged position; and

b. an idler roll adapted to be engaged with said means and positionedbetween said pivoted spring biased roll and said brake means.

21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which the supply of labels ortapes are supported by web is contained on spindle mounted reel andsupplied to said dispensing means by passage over:

a. a pivoted, spring biased roll adapted to maintain a constant carriermeans tension between said spring biased roll and said brake means whensaid brake means is in an engaged position; and

b. an idler roll adapted to be engaged with said means and positionedbetween said pivoted spring biased roll and said brake means.

22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which the means to receive acarrier means from which labels or tapes have been dispensed comprises atake-up reel adapted to rotate when said carrier web is passed over saiddispensing means and idle by applying additional brake means tensionallyapplied by the said carrier means against the surface of said take-upreel when said brake means engages said carrier means.

23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which the means to receive acarrier means from which labels or tapes have been dispensed comprises atake-up reel ada pted to rotate when said arrier we is passed over sardrspensmg means 1 le by app yrng additional brake means tensionallyapplied by the said carrier means against the surface of said take-upreel when said brake means engages said carrier means.

24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 in which the means to receive acarrier means from which labels or tapes have been dispensed comprises atake-up reel adapted to rotate when said carrier web is passed over saiddispensing means and idle by applying additional brake means tensionallyapplied by the said carrier means against the surface of said take-upreel when said brake means engages said carrier means.

1. Apparatus for continuously dispensing pressure sensitive labels on a controlled intermittent basis for use in combination with a supply of pressure sensitive labels supported by a release coated carrier web and a relatively sharp edged label dispensing blade at which pressure sensitive labels are dispensed by passage of said carrier web around the edge of said dispensing blade and means to receive a web from which labels have been dispensed, a web transport system comprising: a. a drive roll adapted to be rotated at a substantially constant torque and rate of rotation; b. brake means adapted to be disposed between a supply of carrier web supported pressure sensitive labels and said label dispensing blade and adapted to engage a carrier web supporting pressure sensitive labels to stop advancement of said web to the relatively sharp edge of said label dispensing blade; c. pressure means adapted to engage a web section exhausted of pressure sensitive labels with said drive roll to advance said web over the relatively sharp edge of said label dispensing blade; d. pivoted support structure containing a portion of said brake means and said pressure means; e. means to pivotally rotate said support structure to alternately engage a web supporting pressure sensitive labels with said brake means and a web free of pressure sensitive labels with said drive roll by action of said pressure means whereby said web may be alternately retained from or advanced over the edge of said label dispensing blade.
 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said brake means includes an upper brake surface adapted to be positioned above said carrier web and said lower brake surface secured to said pivotal support structure, said upper and lower brake surface adapted to engage a web containing pressure sensitive labels in aligning configuration.
 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the portion of said lower brake surface is spring-biased for preferential engagement of said web with said upper brake surface.
 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said pressure means comprises a rotatable nip roll.
 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 in which said pressure means comprises a rotatable nip roll.
 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the supply of pressure sensitive labels supported by said release coated web is contained on spindle mounted reel and supplied to said label dispensing blade by passage over: a. a pivoted, spring biased roll adapted to maintain a constant tension between said spring biased roll and said brake means when said brake means is in an engaged position; and b. an idler roll positioned between said pivoted spring biased roll and said brake means.
 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the supply of pressure sensitive labels supported by a release coated web is contained on spindle mounted reel and supplied to said label dispensing blade by passage over: a. a pivoted spring biased roll adapted to maintain a constant tension between said spring biased roll and said brake means when said brake means is in an engaged position; an b. an idler roll positioned between said pivoted spring biased roll and said brake means.
 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which the supply of pressure sensitive labels supported by said release coated web is contained on spindle mounted reel and supplied to said label dispensing blade by passage over: a. a pivoted spring biased roll adapted to Maintain a constant tension between said spring biased roll and said brake means when said brake means is in an engaged position; and b. an idler roll positioned between said pivoted spring biased roll and said brake means.
 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the means to receive a label from which labels have been dispensed comprises a web take-up reel adapted to rotate when said web is passed over the edge of said dispensing blade and idle by applying a tensionally activated second brake means against the surface of said web take-up reel when said brake means engages said web.
 10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the means to receive a label from which labels have been dispensed comprises a web take-up reel adapted to rotate when said web is passed over the edge of said dispensing blade and idle by applying a tensionally activated second brake means against the surface of said web take-up reel when said brake means engages said web.
 11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the means to receive a label from which labels have been dispensed comprises a web take-up reel adapted to rotate when said web is passed over the edge of said dispensing blade and idle by applying a tensionally activated second brake means against the surface of said web take-up reel when said brake means engages said web.
 12. A process for continuously dispensing labels or tapes from a supporting carrier means by passage of said supporting carrier means to dispensing means which comprises alternately: a. stopping passage of said carrier means to said dispensing means by application of a braking force to said carrier means; and b. releasing said braking force and advancing said carrier means to said dispensing means to a constant rate by engaging a pressure means with a cylindrical driven roll rotated at a substantially constant torque and rate of rotation, the advancement of said carrier means over said dispensing means being independent of means to collect the residue of said carrier means.
 13. A process as claimed in claim 12 in which the the carrier means supports pressure sensitive labels or tapes.
 14. Label dispensing system for dispensing labels and tapes such as pressure sensitive labels, on a controlled or synchronous basis for use in combination with a supply of labels and tapes carried by some carrier means and a dispensing means at which the labels or the like are dispensed, the system comprising: a. a drive roll adapted to be rotated at a substantially constant torque and rate of rotation; b. brake means adapted to engage said carrier means to stop advancement of said carrier means to said dispensing means; c. pressure means adapted to engage said carrier means with said drive roll to advance said carrier means to said dispensing means; d. a pivoted support structure containing a portion of said brake means and said pressure means; e. means to pivotally rotate said support structure to alternately engage said carrier means with said brake means and said drive roll with said pressure means whereby said carrier means may be alternately retained from or advanced to said dispensing means.
 15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which said brake means includes a first brake surface adapted to be positioned above said carrier means and a second brake surface adapted to be positioned at least below one portion of said carrier means, said first and second brake surfaces adapted to engage said carrier means in aligning configuration.
 16. Apparatus as claims in claim 15 in which one of said brake surfaces is spring-biased for preferential engagement of said carrier means with the other brake surface, said spring-biased brake surface being secured to said pivotable support structure.
 17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which said pressure means comprises a rotatable nip roll.
 18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 in which said pressure means comprises a rotatable nip roll.
 19. Apparatus as claImed in claim 14 in which the supply of labels or tapes are supported by web is contained on spindle mounted reel and supplied to said dispensing means by passage over: a. a pivoted, spring biased roll adapted to maintain a constant carrier means tension between said spring biased roll and said brake means when said brake means is in an engaged position; and b. an idler roll adapted to be engaged with said means and positioned between said pivoted spring biased roll and said brake means.
 20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 in which the supply of labels or tapes are supported by web is contained on spindle mounted reel and supplied to said dispensing means by passage over: a. a pivoted, spring biased roll adapted to maintain a constant carrier means tension between said spring biased roll and said brake means when said brake means is in an engaged position; and b. an idler roll adapted to be engaged with said means and positioned between said pivoted spring biased roll and said brake means.
 21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which the supply of labels or tapes are supported by web is contained on spindle mounted reel and supplied to said dispensing means by passage over: a. a pivoted, spring biased roll adapted to maintain a constant carrier means tension between said spring biased roll and said brake means when said brake means is in an engaged position; and b. an idler roll adapted to be engaged with said means and positioned between said pivoted spring biased roll and said brake means.
 22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which the means to receive a carrier means from which labels or tapes have been dispensed comprises a take-up reel adapted to rotate when said carrier web is passed over said dispensing means and idle by applying additional brake means tensionally applied by the said carrier means against the surface of said take-up reel when said brake means engages said carrier means.
 23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which the means to receive a carrier means from which labels or tapes have been dispensed comprises a take-up reel adapted to rotate when said carrier web is passed over said dispensing means and idle by applying additional brake means tensionally applied by the said carrier means against the surface of said take-up reel when said brake means engages said carrier means.
 24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 in which the means to receive a carrier means from which labels or tapes have been dispensed comprises a take-up reel adapted to rotate when said carrier web is passed over said dispensing means and idle by applying additional brake means tensionally applied by the said carrier means against the surface of said take-up reel when said brake means engages said carrier means. 